Could eating apples daily be the secret to preventing Alzheimer's? Insights from a food scientist
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You know what they say; an apple a day keeps the doctor away.
We’re sure you’ve heard of that timeless adage. However, it turns out that snacking on apples can do more than just power you through a busy day.
Thanks to research conducted by Sydney food scientist Dr Vincent Candrawinata, we now have an insight into just how much an apple-a-day routine can influence our long-term brain health.
According to Dr Vincent, eating fresh apples every day could be the secret to reducing your risk of developing Alzheimer's disease.
It's an exciting concept, particularly for those more likely to be affected by this devastating condition.
Why are apples such a powerful brain food?
Dr Vincent suggests that apples are rich in brain-preserving phenolics such as flavonoids.
'Flavonoids are phenolic compounds occurring in fruits like apples and pears, and vegetables like kale and spinach. You can even find them in chocolate and wine! These compounds, when absorbed properly, are beneficial to our health,' he said.
In particular, Dr Vincent mentioned a US study with 2,800 participants aged 50 or over. The results found that those who ate a diet low in flavonoid-rich foods were two to four times more likely to suffer from Alzheimer's and related dementia over a 20-year period.
'Flavonoids, when absorbed properly, are beneficial to our health. Studies have shown that higher dietary intakes of flavonoids and their subclass of flavonols might be associated with reducing the risk of developing Alzheimer's,' he stated.
While there is no cure for Alzheimer's today, Dr Vincent’s research suggests incorporating ample amounts of apples into your diet could lower the risk of developing the disease.
'It's amazing to think that a simple fruit like an apple can play an important role in lowering the risk of developing Alzheimer's,' he exclaimed.
In addition, Dr Vincent discussed other benefits that consumers could gain from frequently eating apples.
One of them is getting the important vitamins and minerals that protect our brain cells from neurotoxins, which may lead to diseases that affect the brain, like Alzheimer’s.
‘Neurotoxicity occurs when the body's nervous system is exposed to natural or man-made toxic substances and alters the normal activity of the nervous system. Eventually, this could lead to disrupting or killing brain neurons,’ he explained.
He elaborated further, ‘Neurotoxicity can occur as a result of exposure to substances used in chemotherapy, radiation treatment, drug therapies or even exposure to heavy metals like mercury and certain food additives, pesticides, industrial and cleaning solvents and cosmetics.'
In addition to that, eating apples can also influence your mental well-being. Dr Vincent said, 'Fruits and vegetables are highly beneficial for mental health, and people who frequently consume raw fruits and veggies are less likely to suffer from symptoms of depression and anxiety.'
Moreover, apples are a good source of soluble fibre called pectin. Higher dietary intakes of pectin are linked to lower rates of depression–so it’s possible that snacking on an apple or two could boost your mental health this way.
Dr Vincent delivered a TED Talk about apples, which you can watch here:
If adding apples to your daily routine offers this wonderful brain-preserving benefit, why not do it? Plus, it’s a tasty treat that’s easy on the wallet–so there's no downside.
But of course, talking to the doctor is still a must! This story is in no way meant to serve as actual medical advice.
What do you think of this story, members? Do you eat apples regularly? Let us know in the comments!
We’re sure you’ve heard of that timeless adage. However, it turns out that snacking on apples can do more than just power you through a busy day.
Thanks to research conducted by Sydney food scientist Dr Vincent Candrawinata, we now have an insight into just how much an apple-a-day routine can influence our long-term brain health.
According to Dr Vincent, eating fresh apples every day could be the secret to reducing your risk of developing Alzheimer's disease.
It's an exciting concept, particularly for those more likely to be affected by this devastating condition.
Dr Vincent Candrawinata claimed that eating apples daily can lower the risk of Alzheimer’s. Credit: Matheus Cenali/Unsplash
Why are apples such a powerful brain food?
Dr Vincent suggests that apples are rich in brain-preserving phenolics such as flavonoids.
'Flavonoids are phenolic compounds occurring in fruits like apples and pears, and vegetables like kale and spinach. You can even find them in chocolate and wine! These compounds, when absorbed properly, are beneficial to our health,' he said.
In particular, Dr Vincent mentioned a US study with 2,800 participants aged 50 or over. The results found that those who ate a diet low in flavonoid-rich foods were two to four times more likely to suffer from Alzheimer's and related dementia over a 20-year period.
'Flavonoids, when absorbed properly, are beneficial to our health. Studies have shown that higher dietary intakes of flavonoids and their subclass of flavonols might be associated with reducing the risk of developing Alzheimer's,' he stated.
Dr Vincent Candrawinata discussed the different benefits of eating apples daily. Credit: TEDx Talks/Youtube
While there is no cure for Alzheimer's today, Dr Vincent’s research suggests incorporating ample amounts of apples into your diet could lower the risk of developing the disease.
'It's amazing to think that a simple fruit like an apple can play an important role in lowering the risk of developing Alzheimer's,' he exclaimed.
In addition, Dr Vincent discussed other benefits that consumers could gain from frequently eating apples.
One of them is getting the important vitamins and minerals that protect our brain cells from neurotoxins, which may lead to diseases that affect the brain, like Alzheimer’s.
‘Neurotoxicity occurs when the body's nervous system is exposed to natural or man-made toxic substances and alters the normal activity of the nervous system. Eventually, this could lead to disrupting or killing brain neurons,’ he explained.
He elaborated further, ‘Neurotoxicity can occur as a result of exposure to substances used in chemotherapy, radiation treatment, drug therapies or even exposure to heavy metals like mercury and certain food additives, pesticides, industrial and cleaning solvents and cosmetics.'
In addition to that, eating apples can also influence your mental well-being. Dr Vincent said, 'Fruits and vegetables are highly beneficial for mental health, and people who frequently consume raw fruits and veggies are less likely to suffer from symptoms of depression and anxiety.'
Moreover, apples are a good source of soluble fibre called pectin. Higher dietary intakes of pectin are linked to lower rates of depression–so it’s possible that snacking on an apple or two could boost your mental health this way.
Dr Vincent delivered a TED Talk about apples, which you can watch here:
If adding apples to your daily routine offers this wonderful brain-preserving benefit, why not do it? Plus, it’s a tasty treat that’s easy on the wallet–so there's no downside.
But of course, talking to the doctor is still a must! This story is in no way meant to serve as actual medical advice.
What do you think of this story, members? Do you eat apples regularly? Let us know in the comments!
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